Behind Enemy Lines: Norwich City

MILLWALL will be confident that they can get their first away win of the season they face Norwich City in their first game of the new year.

The Lions enjoyed an excellent December, after claiming 11 points from a daunting fixture schedule.

The Canaries are just a point ahead of Millwall in the Championship table after their 0-0 draw at Burton on Saturday.

Lucas Ball spoke to Norwich fan Di Cunningham ahead of the New Year’s Day clash.

Twitter: @di_ceee

Why do you support the Canaries?

I’d been to other clubs but never become a loyal fan anywhere. When I moved to Norwich something about the atmosphere at Carrow Road and the invariable drama on and off the pitch became irresistible and I joined the Yellow and Green Army

What’s your favourite season following Norwich?

Being in Europe and beating Bayern Munich in 1993-94 was of course exciting but the season in League One with Paul Lambert in 2009-10 was an amazing adventure.

Has the first half of the season dipped below expectations?

I was delighted that [former Huddersfield head of football operations)] Stuart Webber joined Norwich and was excited at the prospect of a continental approach. Manager Daniel Farke has shown he can adjust strategy and game plans and rotate the squad while developing younger players.

And the run of clean sheets was pleasing after a weak start defensively. But the whole package needs to come together soon if there’s any chance of a play-off position.

Ideally, what do you want in January’s transfer window?

It’s unlikely Norwich will be doing any shopping in January. A priority will be offloading some of the more costly squad members who don’t feature on the team sheet at the moment. If resources can be released it would be great to see a striker or two make Nelson Oliveira fight for his place.

Who will be Farke’s danger men?

James Maddison has been the redeeming constant of even the worst games so far this season – a fantastically talented and clever footballer. And his link-up play with Alex Pritchard can be as effective as it is delightful to watch.

Farke seems to have worked out how to get the best from Josh Murphy since a dip in form following his twin’s move to Newcastle. The winger has flourished when combining with youth team product Jamal Lewis recently so watch out for both pairings.

Which Lions players will the Canaries be wary of?

Of course, the script says that ex-Canary Steve Morison will score – though it looks like he hasn’t had much success this season so hopefully we can avoid that cliché!

Jordan Archer kept some decent attempts out when we played you at The Den and seems like a good stopper.

Jed Wallace may be worrying from set-pieces, and we’ll no doubt be tested as we were in August by long balls.

Shaun Hutchinson may not have much competition for headers.

What’s your predicted Norwich formation and starting XI?

4-2-3-1

Gunn

Pinto Klose Hanley Lewis

Tettey Tryball

Pritchard Maddison Murphy

Oliveira

Finally, a score prediction?

I think we’ll be three up and concede one or two towards the end guaranteeing a nervy last 10 minutes – don’t leave early!